Effects of abdominal hollowing and bracing maneuvers on hip extension strength in prone standing position

BACKGROUND: Abdominal stabilization is an important factor during hip extension. Additionally, the prone standing position is a more effective and functional position for hip extension than the prone or supine positions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentric isokinetic strength of the hip extensors during prone standing hip extension (PSHE) using stabilization maneuvers such as abdominal resting (AR), abdominal bracing (AB), and abdominal hollowing (AH). METHODS: Thirty one healthy subjects were recruited for this study. In each of the 3 maneuvers the participants performed concentric isokinetic hip extensions, 4 at 60/s and 5 at 180/s. The outcome variables consisted of the peak moment (PM), total work (TW), and average power (AP). RESULTS: Hip extension strength, as indicated by the PM, differed significantly among the three conditions at both velocities (p< 0.05). Significantly greater strength was achieved with AB than with AH at 60/s, but no such differences were evident at 180/s. CONCLUSIONS: Prone standing hip extension with AB at 60/s offers an effective option for measuring hip extension strength.